Located between Union Station and Chinatown in D.C.’s East End, Bar Spero is the latest concept from Reverie chef Johnny Spero. Embodying the dynamic energy of the District’s downtown culture, the space is designed for chance encounters and lively conversation. From first seating to last call, guests are drawn to the eye-catching centerpiece of the multi-story space: a sleek, architectural cocktail bar with modern neon accents. As the evening progresses, parties can settle into the restaurant’s subdued, warm wood dining spaces, from stylish four-tops to cozy, built-in booths.
The inviting, minimalist decor allows Spero’s award-winning cooking to shine: a seafood-forward spread focused on Mid-Atlantic fare. Complemented by such specialties as imported Spanish turbot and Autumn Olive pork from the Shenandoah Valley, the menu is shaped by the careful sourcing of world-class ingredients. In turn, the cocktail program takes cues from the kitchen, with a focus on high-quality spirits that elevate classic recipes. Guests can also choose from a tightly curated wine list, as well as regional beers on tap.
Executive Chef
Johnny Spero
Born and raised in Maryland, Spero began his culinary career at the young age of 16. Early on, he had the opportunity to work alongside James Beard award-winning Chef Johnny Monis, learning that the best restaurants fine-tune every aspect of the experience—not just the food. Just two years later, Spero was staging at Noma in Copenhagen, which revolutionized his understanding of sourcing and preparing high-quality ingredients. Upon returning to the U.S., Spero worked at Chef John Shields’ acclaimed fine-dining restaurant, Town House, before eventually finding a role as the Executive Chef at José Andrés’ Minibar in D.C. During his tenure, Minibar received a four-star review from Washington Post critic Tom Sietsema and Spero was celebrated as the Eater “Chef of the Year”. He also represented D.C. as one of ten contestants on the Netflix competition The Final Table. Never one to stop learning, he then returned to Europe to stage at Mugaritz, a top-ten contender for the “World’s 50 Best Restaurants” whose playful presentation and creativity inspired Spero to begin planning his first restaurant—Reverie—an intimate, seafood-focused tasting room in Georgetown that opened in 2018 and earned its first Michelin star in 2022.
Bar Spero represents the more raucous side of Spero’s personality, blending a bar-led social ambiance with an ingredient-driven raw bar and open fire cooking program.
A Michelin-starred Georgetown neighborhood gem, Reverie is an intimate, transportive dining experience from award-winning chef Johnny Spero. Bold, surprising and playful, the prix fixe tasting menu draws from the local daily catch, as well as the finest global ingredients.
